Nodaway Valley seniors showered with insight in virtual, in-person graduations

GREENFIELD — As many of Nodaway Valley's graduates walked the gazebo at the Adair County Fairgrounds Sunday afternoon and were recognized for their graduation, the Nodaway Valley Community School District also released via social media a virtual graduation.

The 2020 valedictorian Reagan Weinheimer and salutatorian Paisley Kintigh gave a speech at both graduations. They opened up by congratulating their classmates and acknowledging that this year's experience for the seniors was unlike that of any other class due to COVID-19.

"Some of us missed out on our final sports seasons, our last band or choir concerts, and all of us missed our senior prom, senior skip day and last day of high school," they said. "While it can be easy to focus on everything that didn't go as planned for our class, it became very clear to us that there are a lot of positive things to focus on as well."

The duo continued by saying they've had the "unwavering support" of parents, teachers and their community.

On the recorded virtual ceremony, they felt that the best way to say goodbye to this chapter of their lives was to reminisce by hearing the advice of 20 of their former teachers.

The duo started with Principal Lanny Kliefoth, who instructed them to always find the positive in situations that don't go the way you want in life, and to remember how you deal with adversity shapes your character.

Middle School Principal/Activities Director Michael Dale will be missed by this class for his sense of humor. His advice to them was that being uncomfortable puts a person in a position to grow.

Teacher and coach Darrell Burmeister advised the class through a parable he found called "The Obstacle in our Path," the main idea being that every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

Social studies teacher Sarah Jensen pointed to the fact that the seniors began this school year without a high school gym and ended it with a pandemic. Through it all, she said they've learned how to "go with the flow" realizing the importance of family and friends.

Norma McCutcheon, a science teacher, shared a quote from "Oh the Places You'll Go," which says, "You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose."

Husband and wife teacher duo Chase and Andrea Green will be remembered for how Chase had a student deliver to Andrea a rose each period of the school day on their wedding anniversary. They gave financial planning advice and reminded the students that "if you eat enough vegetables for lunch you can always have a bag of cookies for dinner."

Technology teacher Jane Woodside reminded the class that "dreams are great, but if you aren't willing to work hard consistently, you won't be successful."

Math instructor Linda Hennigar was remembered for always telling it like it is. "Some you loved school, some of you hated it. Some of you were really good at it, some struggled. Some of you will miss it and some won't. I hope you follow your dreams and find your passion whatever it may be."

Guidance counselor Ryan Miller said that "collectively you're memorable, individually you're different. Sometimes life can only be understood looking backward but it should be lived moving forward."

English teacher Renea Livingston quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, saying, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

The seniors also relayed advice from middle and elementary school teachers Tina Phillippi, Jeff Fahrenkrug, Stephanie Steffens, retired teacher Rana Crees (Glade), Brenda Thaden, Tammie Cass, Brett Welsch, Alice Williams, Susan Marnin and Rose Grantham.

Weinheimer and Kintigh stated in the video that the most valuable thing they learned from Grantham was the importance of friendship in the context of teacher Becky Raasch, who died last September.

"With Mrs. [Becky] Raasch in mind, Mrs. Grantham said to us 'I miss her friendship everyday and my wish for all seniors is to have at least one friend in your lives as special as she was.' She didn't intend for this to be in our speech, but we thought it was worthy of sharing," Kintigh said.

"Because [Mrs. Raasch] made such a significant impact on all of us, we would like to dedicate this speech to [her]," Weinheimer continued. "A quote she always told us was 'Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay put.' This quote is especially fitting for our current circumstances."

The salutatorian and valedictorian thanked all who has helped them along toward graduation. The video concluded with a picture slideshow, a musical selection and the reading of senior awards.

At the graduation at the fairgrounds, Fahrenkrug gave the keynote speech and was master of ceremonies.

"Seniors, this is your day to celebrate. We're going to celebrate your accomplishments and your careers at Nodaway Valley," Fahrenkrug said. "No matter what you've chosen to do, give it your best. President Abraham Lincoln once said, 'Whatever you are, be a good one.' There are going to be rough spots along the way. Life is full of rough patches and we have to adapt to what comes our way."